Donnell has been fully cleared to play after suffering a season-ending neck injury last year, his agent, Tamika Cheatham, confirmed in March. Donnell, 27, suffered the neck injury -- the exact details of which were never disclosed -- in the Giants' Nov. 1 loss to the Saints in New Orleans. He did not play again, missing four games before being placed on season-ending injured reserve in early December with four games left in the season. Donnell's injury was initially not believed to be serious, but the outlook changed as the injury did not improve. Donnell was still not cleared as recently as the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, increasing concerns about his playing future. But the Giants gave Donnell, a restricted free agent, a tender offer, a sign they believed his health was solid. Donnell, an undrafted free agent, is set to make $1.67 million this season. Donnell had 29 catches for 223 yards and two touchdowns last season. After his injury, Will Tye emerged and had a strong rookie season, hauling in 42 catches for 464 yards and three touchdowns. Tye could continue to contribute -- and more, if Donnell’s neck is an issue.

Larry Donnell 2015 Outlook

Donnell introduced himself to the world last season with three touchdown receptions on a Thursday night in Week 4. Over the next 13 weeks, he slowly faded, eventually evolving into a part-time player. As NJ.com suggested, Donnell’s blocking made him a liability. Donnell didn’t start three of the last five games. In order to avoid a repeat, he went to work this offseason focused on attacking his weakness. “I was trying to refine my game so I can be better in the run game,” Donnell said. He also lost four fumbles, in part because he often found himself with his feet off the ground and in compromising positions. But that’s more a mental mistake than physical. All that said, the pass-catching part worked out just fine last season. He was tied for ninth among tight ends in receptions, 13th in yards and tied for seventh in touchdowns. Top 13 in all three categories when nobody knew he’d be the starter at this time last year. Look for him to build on that -- especially if his efforts to improve as a blocker are successful.